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26b. Trade – The Case For Free Trade (Summary)
Author: Kent Lassman
Summary
- Trade policy is an expression of American values and trust, debating whether to follow China’s trade policies or forge an independent path.
- Advocates a conservative vision for trade, emphasizing humility and the limited role of trade policy, avoiding mission creep and regulatory capture.
- Highlights the necessity of keeping trade agreements focused strictly on trade issues, resisting the integration of unrelated regulatory concerns.
- Supports the enforcement of free trade to bolster economic growth, advocating for policies like tariff relief, mutual recognition of regulations, and fewer trade-unrelated provisions in agreements.
- Discusses historical lessons from America’s past, showing how trade and market expansions have led to prosperity through specialization and innovation.
- Points out the ineffectiveness of protectionist measures and their unintended negative consequences on the economy and job creation.
- Suggests that a pragmatic, conservative approach to trade can strengthen the U.S. economy and international relations, particularly in countering China’s trade practices.
- Proposes specific actions for the next administration to implement a conservative vision for trade, including tariff relief, repealing the Jones Act, and engaging in effective trade agreements.
Analysis
- Implementing a conservative trade vision could reduce consumer prices and strengthen supply chains by alleviating tariffs, thereby enhancing economic growth and stability.
- Streamlining trade agreements to focus solely on trade issues might expedite negotiations and prevent progressive policy impositions, leading to clearer and more effective trade relationships.
- Emphasizing mutual recognition of regulations could open new markets and reduce operational costs for U.S. businesses, promoting innovation and competition.
- Reducing trade-related provisions could prevent bureaucratic overreach and maintain focus on trade’s primary goals, fostering more straightforward and beneficial trade agreements.
- A strong stance on conservative trade principles might counteract progressive policies within trade frameworks, reinforcing traditional economic values and market-driven approaches.
Tags
- Free Trade
- Conservative Policy
- Trade Policy
- Economic Growth
- U.S. Trade Strategy
Read the original chapter text here: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf#page=829